Time-lapse shoots a series of images at a lower frame rate than normal video, then plays them back at a faster rate than they were shot enabling lengthy sequences — a sunset, for example — to unfold in just a few seconds, with spectacular results.

Hyperlapse takes the idea a step further. It’s designed more for shooting first person videos, so the camera moves with you and the resulting footage is stabilised.

With Microsoft’s approach, stabilisation occurs in the software rather than relying on the phone’s hardware.

The software attempts to identify the trajectory of the camera, and only selects frames that are on that same path, discarding the rest. It then subtly crops in and out in order to keep specific objects in the same position within the frame. As a result, gentle shake from handheld or head mounted cameras is eliminated.

Hyperlapse enables you to channel your inner Martin Scorsese with stunning steadicam-style shots without needing to spend a fortune on specialist gear.

Introducing Microsoft Hyperlapse Mobile

Microsoft Hyperlaspe Mobile brings hyperlapse video to Android devices, as well as Windows Phones and a pro version on Windows desktops.

The app is still only in beta, but it’s already fast and stable, and capable of producing incredible results.

By default the app is set to create hyperlapse videos at 4x speed, which means that for every four seconds of video you shoot, playback will last one second. You can adjust the speed to anywhere between 1x — real time — and 32x. It’s also possible to save multiple versions of the same video at different speeds.

The videos take a few seconds to process, depending on their size, for both importing and saving, and it’s possible you might hit the memory limitations of your phone if you’re trying to work with very long clips. Fortunately, though, you don’t need any understanding of the technicalities of creating hyperlapse videos, or indeed any videos at all.

In it’s initial form, the app is literally point and shoot, and this simplicity is something that makes it possible for everyone to gain great results instantly.

Shooting Options

Showing just how green Microsoft Hyperlapse Mobile is, there are currently no settings options attached to the app’s menu button.

No doubt some will be added in due course, but for now your only choices are whether to use the main or front cameras (which can create a cool SnorriCam effect), and to switch on the video light when you’re shooting in the dark.

Once saved you can share the results with other services, including uploading the clip to your Instagram account.

Alternatives to Microsoft Hyperlapse

Microsoft Hyperlapse Mobile is the first app from a big name developer to bring hyperlapse video to Android.

There are a couple of alternatives, of which Gallus [No Longer Available] is the best. This free app is also in the relatively early days of development and receives regular updates and new features. It also has a lot more options you can tweak to try and get the best performance from your device.

In our tests the results are mixed, though, and not yet up to the same level that Microsoft’s app is able to reach.

How To Get It

Microsoft Hyperlapse Mobile is currently in beta testing for a limited number of devices. It requires Android 4.4 or above, and works on the following:

Samsung Galaxy S5, S6, S6 Edge and Note 4

Google Nexus 5 and Nexus 6

HTC One M8 and M9

Sony Xperia Z3

Google Nexus 9 tablet

You can download it via the Play Store, but won’t be able to find it at this stage through a straight search. To get it, you need to sign up to the app’s community page on Google+, follow the link in that group’s description, and click the Become a Tester button.

Within a few minutes to potentially a couple of hours, the app will become available to you.

As it’s a beta app you can expect frequent updates. These will improve performance, add new features, and occasionally break things, so giving feedback through Google+ is always a good idea to help improve the speed of development.

A Must-Have App

Microsoft Hyperlapse Mobile is still in its early days, and is more of a tech demo than a finished product, yet the technology is already hugely impressive.

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Anonymous

October 26, 2015 at 10:08 am

I have just downloaded & trialled this app yesterday. Although I looked at several sites regarding this app, I still believe that more instructions are needed on how to operate it. E.g. I didn't realise that you needed to save the video taken at the speeded-up position. After filming a video & saving it, every time I opened the app the same video appeared & the only way I could get rid of it was to either Save it again or Delete it. I also didn't know that the videos would open up in a special folder titled 'Hyperlapse'. I'm using an original Nokia Lumia 1520 phablet & the videos do come out very clear. All in all it's a great app!! RP.

Andy is a former print journalist and magazine editor who has been writing about technology for 15 years. In that time he has contributed to countless publications and produced copywriting work for large tech companies. He has also provided expert comment for the media and hosted panels at industry events.